Folding elliptical exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An elliptical exercise machine having a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position. A removable outer shell is hingedly connected to a base upon which the elliptical machine stands. The outer shell is configured to resemble two halves of a coffee table that are pivoted to either cover or expose the machine. Each handlebar on the machine includes a hinged section that is movable between a folded and an operational position. The machine is further provided with a latching assembly to lock the flywheel against rotation and to correctly position the same so that the outer shell can be placed over the folded machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/801,228 that was filed May 9, 2007, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to elliptical machines. Specifically, the invention relates to an elliptical machine that is foldable for storage and includes a two-part hinged outer shell that resembles a coffee table when in a storage position, hinged handlebars that are movable between a storage and operational position, and a latching assembly for preventing rotation of the flywheel and correctly positioning the swing arms on the machine when folded for storage in the outer shell.

2. Background Information

There is a growing trend in the fitness industry for equipment that is suitable for use in the home, especially pieces of equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. Elliptical machines are a popular choice as home exercise equipment as they give both the upper body and lower body an effective, low impact workout.

One of the key issues that people face when elliptical machines and similar pieces of equipment are brought into their homes is that of space. A good quality elliptical machine will be around 80 inches in length, have a width of between 32 and 36 inches, a height of around 63 inches and weigh anywhere from 190 lbs upwards. Obviously, there also needs for clearance space surrounding the actual machine so that a person may get safely on to and off from the machine. Basements tend to be one of the more typical places in the home to place exercise equipment because of the space constraints. However, exercising alone in a basement away from the center of activity in the home tends to be tedious. Additionally, because the elliptical machine is out of sight, it is easy for one to forget to exercise on a regular basis.

Bringing this type of space-utilizing device into a living room or family room causes two problems. Firstly, these pieces of equipment are not aesthetically pleasing and would be considered to be an eyesore in such a communal type of room. Secondly, the quantity of space in the room that is occupied by such devices is unacceptable.

Many manufacturers have attempted to address these issues by providing home-use elliptical machines that are foldable so that they will take up less space. One such home-use version of a foldable elliptical machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,551 and 6,190,289, both issued to Pyles et al. Pyles et al teaches that an elliptical machine may be reduced in dimensions by pivoting the pedal arms and/or the rails on which the arms ride upwardly toward a vertically extending mast. The device is therefore moved from an operational position into a vertically folded position. This mechanism for folding the elliptical machine does reduce the amount of floor space that the machine will occupy when not in use, but considering that the height of a mast for an elliptical machine is typically around five to six feet high, the folded machine would remain an eyesore in any room. Pyles et al discloses that the machine may also be provided with a plurality of wheels that will enable the homeowner to wheel the vertically folded device across a surface and into a suitable storage location, such as a closet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,917 issued to Chen discloses an elliptical device in which the mast or handle comprises an upper and a lower portion that are pivotally connected together. The machine includes a pin mechanism that, when released, allows the upper portion of the handle to be folded downwardly over the swing arms. This folding mechanism somewhat addresses the mast height issue, but does not reduce the amount of floor space that the machine occupies. Even when the machine has been moved into a folded position the swing arms project beyond the length of the supporting base and are hazardous to people walking past the machine. Once again, the machine is provided with wheels to allow it to be moved into a storage area because keeping the device in a high traffic area would be unacceptable from both an aesthetic and space point of view.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,554 issued to Eschenbach discloses a collapsible exercise device in which the handle is pivoted downwardly to abut the pedal arms. When this occurs, the frame is actually elongated to ensure that the folded device has the lowest possible height so that it may be stored under a bed, for example. Consequently, the device occupies even more floor space when it is folded than when it is operational.

Furthermore, elliptical machines sold under the trademark PRO FORM SPACE SAVER®, a registered trademark of Icon Health & Fitness of West Logan, Utah, have a base frame that comprises two pivotally connected sections. The mast extends upwardly from the first section and a flywheel is mounted on the second section. When the device is to be folded for storage purposes, the pivot arms are detached from the flywheel and the second section of the base is pivoted over the first section of the base toward the mast. This reduces the length of the base, but does not address the height issue of the mast.

Similarly, elliptical machines sold by Sharper Image Corporation of San Francisco, Calif., also include a pivoting base section that is folded upwardly onto the mast of the device. The device is therefore of a low profile, but of an elongated length and cannot be simply left in the middle of a room.

Though some of the elliptical machines disclosed in the prior art may be folded up, they are still aesthetically displeasing and do not enhance the appearance of a room, such as a living room or family room, that is frequently used. While yet other machines may be folded up and wheeled away for storage purposes, it is problematic for the home exerciser to have to move the machine back and forth between the storage location and the use location. Additionally, it is also more likely that if a person has wheeled their elliptical machine into some sort of storage location, they will be less inclined to retrieve the elliptical machine in order to exercise because of the effort involved in setting the elliptical machine back in an appropriate location.

There is therefore a need in the art for an elliptical machine that is substantial and sturdy in construction that is foldable to reduce the amount of space it occupies when not in use, but which does not need to be placed in a remote storage location in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention comprises an elliptical exercise machine having a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position. A removable outer shell is hingedly connected to a base upon which the elliptical machine stands and preferably is secured thereto. The outer shell is configured to resemble two halves of a coffee table that are pivoted to either cover or expose the folded machine. Each handlebar on the elliptical machine includes a hinged section that is movable between a folded and an operational position. The hinged section is latched in place when in the operational position. The elliptical machine is further provided with a latching assembly to lock the flywheel against rotation and to correctly position the same so that the outer shell can be placed over the folded machine for storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding elliptical machine in accordance with the present invention shown in a fully folded position with the outer shell positioned thereover;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the elliptical machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position, and having a portion of the outer shell removed for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the elliptical machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position and with the entire cover removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in the fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in the operational position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the folding elliptical machine in accordance with the present invention, showing the outer shell in a closed position and hiding a fully folded exercise machine therein;

FIG. 16 is a left perspective view of the machine of FIG. 15, showing the elliptical machine in the fully folded position and the outer shell in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a right perspective view of the machine of FIG. 15, showing the elliptical machine in the fully folded position and the outer shell in the open position;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the folded elliptical machine with the two halves of the outer shell in the open position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in accordance with the present invention having most of the outer shell removed for clarity; and showing a second embodiment of a flywheel, where the flywheel is shown with its protective covering removed for clarity;

FIG. 20 is a right-hand perspective view of the elliptical machine with a portion of the housing and the drive member removed to show a portion of the flywheel mounted within the housing;

FIG. 21 is a rear end view of the flywheel mounted on the post;

FIG. 22 is a right-hand perspective view of the flywheel with one of the drive members removed and showing the latching assembly in the engaged position;

FIG. 23 is a left-hand perspective view of the flywheel of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlargement of the highlighted area of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a left-hand perspective view of the elliptical machine with most of the outer shell removed for clarity and showing the latching assembly for the flywheel in a disengaged position;

FIG. 27 is an enlargement of the highlighted area of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a right-hand perspective view of the flywheel with the latching assembly in a disengaged position;

FIG. 29 is a left-hand perspective view of the flywheel of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a right-hand perspective view of the elliptical machine showing the flywheel with the latching assembly in the disengaged position;

FIG. 31 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine of the present invention and showing a second embodiment of a handlebar for use therein and showing the hinge therein in a closed position;

FIG. 33 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine with the hinge in the open position and the handlebars folded into the storage position; and

FIG. 35 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, there is shown an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention. The exercise machine is shown in a folded or storage position in FIGS. 1-9 and is generally indicated at 10. The exercise machine is shown in an operational position in FIGS. 10-14.

Exercise machine 10 includes an outer shell 12 that is configured to have the appearance of a piece of furniture and, most specifically, the appearance of a coffee table. Shell 12 has a top 14, four side walls 16 extending outwardly therefrom and defining an interior cavity 18 (FIG. 3) thereinbetween. An elliptical machine 20, in accordance with the present invention, is stored within cavity 18 of shell 12 when machine 20 is in a folded position. At least one of the side walls of shell 12, such as side wall 16 a, may include trim pieces that are configured to create the illusion of a drawer 22. Handles 23 are applied to side wall 16 a to complete the illusion. Any other decorative features may be provided on shell 12 to create an aesthetically appealing piece of furniture. Shell 12 may be formed from any suitable material including wood, plywood with a wood veneer and melamine-laminated particle board. Preferably, shell 12 is around 20″ high×36″ long×20″ wide and ways around 15 lbs so that it is easily lifted off and placed over elliptical machine 20. Shell 12 is designed to not only hide elliptical machine 20 in plain view, but is also designed to serve as a useful and decorative piece of furniture.

Elliptical machine 20 is adjustable between the folded position (FIGS. 3-9) and an operational position (FIGS. 10-14). FIGS. 3 and 4 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12 in place and FIGS. 5-9 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12 completely removed therefrom.

Elliptical machine 20 comprises a frame member 24, a mast 26, a pair of handlebars 28, a pair of swing arms 30, a pair of footrests 32 and a flywheel 34.

Frame member 24 comprises a base 36 that is elongated and terminates in a front floor support 38 at a first end and a rear floor support 40 at a second end. FIGS. 3-5 show that base 36 is an elongated bar of steel or some other suitably strong material. Base 36 is not planar, but is instead formed with one or more angled portions to reinforce and strengthen the same. Front and rear floor supports 38, 40 are disposed at right angles to base 36 so that when frame member 24 is viewed from above, it is generally I-shaped. A plate 42 is welded or otherwise secured to front floor support 38. Plate 42 is secured along substantially the entire length of front floor support 38 and extends upwardly away therefrom for a distance. Plate 42 is provided on front floor support 38 to prevent the lower ends of swing arms 30 from moving forwardly of mast 26 when elliptical machine 20 is in the folded position as will be hereinafter described. This maintains flywheel 34 in the folded or storage position. Base 36 of frame member 24 has a length “L” (FIG. 4) and front and rear floor supports 38, 40 have a width “W” (FIGS. 7 and 12).

Mast 26 extends upwardly away from base 36 of frame member 24 just rearwardly of front floor support 38. Mast 26 comprises a lower mast portion 44 and an upper mast portion 46 that are pivotally secured to each other at pivot 48. Lower mast portion 44 is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to base 36 and preferably includes a braced region 50 to provide strength and stability to mast 26. An end 52 of lower mast portion 44 extends upwardly for a short distance beyond pivot 48. This is most easily seen when elliptical machine 20 is in the folded position and mast 26 is therefore in the folded position (FIG. 4). Upper mast portion 46 includes a recessed region 54 (FIG. 7) into which end 52 is received when elliptical machine 20 is adjusted into the operational position. A spring-loaded slam latch 56 is provided on upper mast portion 46. When upper mast portion 46 is rotated from a folded position (FIG. 4) to an operational position (FIG. 10), latch 56 automatically is engaged and securely locks lower and upper mast portions 44, 46 together. Knob 58 (FIG. 4) has to be vertically lifted in order to disengage latch 56 so that upper mast portion 46 may be disengaged from lower mast portion 44 and adjusted from the operational position to the folded position.

Each handlebar 28 comprises a sleeve 60 and a bar 62. Sleeve 60 is fixedly secured to an upper end of one of the swing arms 30 by being welded thereto, for example. Bar 62 is adjustably engageable in a bore (not shown) in sleeve 60. Bar 62 is able to telescope further into or further out of sleeve 60 and may be completely disconnected from sleeve 60 by sliding the same completely out of the bore therein. Bar 62 is also able to rotate within the bore of sleeve 60 and to thereby assume a different orientation relative thereto. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each bar 62 is comprised of at least a first portion 62 a, a second portion 62 b and a third portion 62 c. First, second and third portions 62 a-62 c are offset at angles relative to each other. When elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the operational position to the folded position, bar 62 is rotated between a first orientation where the terminal ends 66 of handlebars 28 extend upwardly away from frame member 24, and a second orientation (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) where the terminal ends 66 extend downwardly toward the frame member 24. When handlebars 28 are in this second orientation, terminal ends 66 are disposed proximate rear floor support 40 and the distance between terminal ends 66 is substantially equal to the length “W” of rear floor support 40 (FIGS. 6 and 7). A spring-loaded latch 64 secures bar 62 within sleeve 60. Latch 64 is pulled outwardly to allow bar 62 to move relative to sleeve 60. Latch 64 is released to lock bar 62 in position within the bore of sleeve 60.

When elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the folded position to an operational position (FIGS. 10-14), latch 64 is pulled outwardly to allow bars 62 to rotate within the bores of sleeves 60. Bars 62 are rotated from the second orientation (FIG. 6) to the first orientation where handlebars 28 angle upwardly away from frame member 24 and rear floor support 40. The rotational motion in handlebars 28 is continued until latch 64 engages and thereby locks bars 62 in this first orientation relative to sleeve 60. Mast 26 is then rotated into an operational position (as described hereinafter). When elliptical machine 20 is in the operational position (FIG. 10), handlebars 28 extend upwardly away from the vertically oriented mast 26 (FIG. 11). In this position, the distance between ends 66 of bars 62 is greater than the length “W” of front and rear floor supports 38, 40 (FIG. 12).

Swing arms 30 comprise an upper arm 68 and a lower arm 70 that are pivotally connected to each other by an elbow 72. Footrests 32 are secured to or integrally formed with lower arm 70. Each upper arm 68 is mounted by way of a pivot pin 74 to an upper end of the upper mast 46. Pivot pins 74 extend outwardly at right angles to the upper end of upper mast 46 and, consequently, swing arms 30 are disposed substantially parallel to mast 26 (FIG. 6). Referring to FIGS. 7, 13 and 14, lower arm 70 a is connected by a pivot pin 76 to a first surface 34 a of flywheel 34. (Flywheel 34 is mounted for rotation on a post 35 that extends outwardly away from an upper surface of base 36 of frame member 24.) Lower arm 70 b is connected by a pivot pin 78 to a second surface 34 b of flywheel 34. Pivot pins 76, 78 extend outwardly at right angles from the opposing outer surfaces 34 a, 34 b and are positioned 180° away from each other around the circumference of flywheel 34. A foot rest 32 is secured to the upper surfaces of each of the lower arms 70 a, 70 b.

In the folded position, frame member 24 with its base 36, front floor support 38, plate 42 and rear floor support 40 remains in a stationary position on a floor surface. None of these components is foldable. Frame member 24 is of a rugged construction and preferably is manufactured from members that are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to each other. In order to fold or collapse elliptical machine 20 onto frame 24, latch 64 is disengaged and handlebars 28 are rotated inwardly to a position where ends 66 are as close as possible to each other. Latch 56 is disengaged by pulling upwardly on knob 58. As soon as upper mast 46 becomes movable relative to lower mast 44, upper mast 46 is rotated about pivot 48 and is folded over base 36 of frame member 24.

When elliptical machine 20 is in this folded position it should be noted that ends 66 of handlebars 28 do not extend rearwardly of rear floor support 24 (FIG. 7). Secondly, it should be noted when upper mast 46 pivots downwardly, elbows 72 drop but still have enough clearance from front floor support 38 and are almost in abutting contact therewith. Elbows 72 also are positioned inwardly and rearwardly of plate 42. Neither swing arm 30 extends beyond plate 42. The overall length of elliptical machine 20 is further reduced by correctly positioning flywheel 34. This is accomplished by ensuring that one of pivot pins 76, 78 is positioned at or near the top of flywheel 34 and the other of the pivot pins 76, 78 is positioned at or near the bottom of flywheel 34. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The position of flywheel 34 is in part maintained by plate 42 on front floor support 38 because plate 42 substantially prevents both swing arms 30 from moving past it. At this point, ends 66 of handlebars 28 are proximate rear floor support 40 and are spaced a distance apart from each other that is substantially the same as the length “W” of rear floor support 40. Outer shell 12 is then slid over the folded elliptical machine 20. Outer shell 12 is made from 3/16″ plywood with wood trim and is stained to have the appearance of real wood. The outer dimensions of the shell 12 are around 20 inches wide, 20 inches tall and 36 inches long. Shell 12 weighs around 15 lbs. The folded elliptical machine 20 in combination with shell 12 therefore becomes a useful and decorative piece of furniture and the elliptical machine 20 is stored in full view.

When a person wishes to exercise, they lift outer shell 12 from over the folded elliptical machine 20. Elliptical machine 20 is then adjusted from the folded position (FIGS. 3-9) into the operational position by grasping upper mast 46 and rotating the same through 90° upper and lower masts 46, 44 are aligned and slam latch 56 locks. Slam latch 56 secures the upper and lower masts 46, 44 together and provides a single stable mast 26 for elliptical machine 20. At this point, bars 62 of handlebars 28 are grasped and rotated outwardly away from each other to a position where spring-loaded latches 64 engage. Latches 64 lock bars 62 in position in sleeves 60. The exerciser can now place their feet in footrests 32, hold onto a portion of the bars 62 and being to work out. When their workout is complete, they step off footrests 32 and elliptical machine 20 is then adjustable into the folded position by reversing the above two steps. Shell 12 is then repositioned over the folded machine.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18 there is shown a second embodiment of an outer shell 112 that is used to hide a folded elliptical machine 120 in full view. Outer shell 112 is, again, configured to have the appearance of a piece of furniture and, most specifically, the appearance of a coffee table. Shell 112 comprises a base 180 and two sides 182, 184. Base 180 has a bottom 180 a with a peripheral wall 180 b extending upwardly therefrom. Peripheral wall 180 b defines a recessed cavity in which elliptical machine 120 is mounted. Each side 182, 184 has a top portion 182 a, 184 a, a side wall 182 b, 184 b and a pair of opposing ends 182 c, 184 c. Sides 182, 184 are each generally U-shaped and define a portion of a cavity 186 within which the folded elliptical machine 120 is retained when shell 112 is in a closed position. A hinge 188 connects each of sides 182, 184 to peripheral wall 180 b of base 180. Hinges 188 permit sides 182, 184 to be pivoted between a closed position (FIG. 15) and an open position (FIG. 16). Top 182 a, 184 a of sides 182, 184 extends for a short distance outwardly beyond ends 182 c, 184 c and thereby forms a lip 190 at each end of shell 112. Outer shell 112 may be provided with decorative features so that the overall appearance of the shell is aesthetically appealing. Although not shown in these figures, such features may include the addition of trim pieces to create the illusion of one or more drawers and shell 112 may even be provided with handles to complete the illusion. As with the first embodiment, shell 112 may be manufactured from any suitable material including wood, plywood with a wood veneer and melamine-laminated particle board.

Referring to FIG. 15, shell 112 is shown in a closed position and has the appearance of a coffee table. When in this closed position, shell 112 is useful as a piece of furniture and the elliptical machine 120 retained therein is not visible. When a person wishes to use elliptical machine 120, they grasp one of the lips 190 on one of sides 182, 184 and pull upwardly and outwardly to pivot said side into the open position. They then grasp one of lips 190 on the other of sides 182, 184 and pull upwardly and outwardly to pivot that side into the open position. This upward and outward movement is indicated by arrows A and B in FIG. 15. When in the open position, sides 182, 184 rest on the floor surface beneath base 180. At this point, elliptical machine 120 is in a folded position as shown in FIGS. 16 & 17. The person then unfolds the elliptical machine 120 into an operational position as previously described with respect to elliptical machine 20. Once machine 120 is fully unfolded, the person is able to exercise on the same.

When the person has finished using machine 120, they collapse machine 120 back into a fully folded position as previously described herein. They then grasp one of the sides 182, 184 along an upper edge 192 (FIG. 16) thereof and pull that side upwardly and inwardly so that the side pivots about hinge 188 and into the closed position. The other one of the sides 182, 184 is then pulled upwardly and inwardly in like manner to move it into the closed position. This upward and inward movement of sides 182, 184 is shown by arrows C and D in FIG. 17. The outer shell 112 then has the appearance of a coffee table once again.

FIGS. 19-31 show an elliptical machine 220 in accordance with the present invention and which incorporates a second embodiment of flywheel 234 therein. Only base 280 of the outer shell is shown in these figures, the remaining components of the shell having been omitted for the sake of clarity. Elliptical machine 220 includes a housing 294 that is molded in one or more pieces and is assembled between support 240 and mast 226. Housing 294 enhances the appearance of elliptical machine 220 and effectively covers and protects the components that make up flywheel 234 and the latching system latching assembly 233 associated therewith. When assembled, housing 294 defines a generally circular aperture 291 within which flywheel 234 is mounted. Housing 294 has a rear face 294 a disposed proximate support 240. Rear face 294 a defines a substantially L-shaped slot 293 (FIG. 20) therein and through which a portion of latching assembly 233 extends outwardly and away from face 294 a.

FIG. 20 shows elliptical machine 220 where the right half of housing 294 and a portion of flywheel 234 have been removed to reveal the components within housing 294. A post 235 extends upwardly from base 236 and a spaced distance inwardly from support 240. Post 235 is substantially normal to base 236. A crossbar 237 extends outwardly and rearwardly away from post 235 and toward support 240. Crossbar 237 is substantially normal to post 235 and substantially parallel to at least a portion of base 236.

Referring to FIGS. 20-25, and in accordance with one of the specific features of the present invention, flywheel 234 includes a pair of drive members 239 that are pivotally mounted on opposite faces of post 235 by a pivot pin 241. Each drive member 239 includes a plurality of spokes 243 that extend radially outwardly away from a central region 245. Spokes 243 terminate proximate a portion of the wall of housing 294 that defines aperture 291. As shown in these figures, drive members 239 preferably are cruciform in shape and have four spokes 243 that are disposed at right angles to each other. It should be understood, however, that flywheel 234 may include any number of spokes 243 that would allow it to rotate in a balanced fashion.

Each drive member 239 has an exterior surface 239 a (FIG. 24) and an interior surface 239 b (FIG. 25). A shaft 276 (FIG. 19) extends outwardly away from exterior surface 239 a of each drive member 239. Shaft 276 is disposed substantially parallel to an axis of rotation “R” (FIG. 21) of drive members 239. Shaft 276 is disposed substantially at right angles to exterior surface 239 a and engages one of arms 270 on which one of footrests 232 is mounted. When each drive member 239 rotates about the axis of rotation “R”, the shaft 276 extending therefrom rotates with drive member 239 and describes a circular path about central region 245. When shaft 276 moves along this path, it causes arm 270 engaged therewith to move toward and away from support 238.

Flywheel 234 also includes a latching assembly 233 to latch it against rotational motion and to orient arms 270 in a position that is suitable for folding of elliptical machine 220 into a storage position. Latching assembly 233 comprises a lever arm 251 that releasably engages at least one of drive members 239. To this end, at least one of drive members 239 has a pair of spaced-apart pins 247, 249 that extend outwardly from the interior surface 239 b thereof. Pins 247, 249 are disposed substantially at right angles to interior surface 239 b and project inwardly toward post 235. Pins 247, 249 may be dowels, bolts or any other suitable projecting member that extends outwardly from drive member 239 or is integrally formed therewith such as by molding. Lever arm 251 is a substantially S-shaped component that is pivotally secured by a bolt 253 to an exterior surface 237 a of crossbar 237. Surface 237 a is opposed to interior surface 239 b of drive member 230. Lever arm 251 is a thin, planar member that extends substantially parallel to exterior surface 237 a and at right angles to the axis of rotation “R.” Lever arm 251 has a mid-region with first and second free ends 251 a, 251 b extending outwardly away therefrom. Bolt 253 is received through lever arm 251 proximate the mid-region thereof and secures lever arm 251 to crossbar 237. Bolt 253 permits lever arm 251 to pivot about an axis “S” extending therethrough (FIG. 29). Axis “S” is parallel to axis “R” and is spaced a distance away therefrom. First free end 251 a of lever arm 251 extends away from bolt 253 and through a slot 293 in rear face 294 a of housing 294. Free end 251 a extends for a short distance beyond rear face 294 a and is of a length sufficient to permit it to be finger-actuated. An aperture 255 (FIG. 25) is defined in first free end 251 a intermediate bolt 253 and rear face 294 a. A first end of a spring 257 is engaged in aperture 255 and a second end of spring 257 is fixedly secured by a bolt 259 to crossbar 237. Preferably, the second end of spring 257 is secured to an upper face 237 b of crossbar 237, but it will be understood that any suitable connection point on crossbar 237 or post 235 may be utilized. A second free end 251 b of lever arm 251 extends in an opposite direction from bolt 253 away from rear face 294 a and generally toward pivot pin 241. Second end 251 b includes a U-shaped slot 261 (FIG. 31) that is positioned and oriented so as to be able to interlockingly receive one of pins 247, 249 therein.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, slot 293 in rear face 294 a is substantially L-shaped. Slot 293 includes a latch region 263 and a release region 265. A septum 267 partially separates latch region 263 from release region 265. Free end 251 a of lever arm 251 extends through slot 293 and specifically through one of latch region 263 and release region 265. Free end 251 a is movable between latch region 263 and release region 265 by application of finger pressure to the same. When free end 251 b is in release region 265, lever arm 251 is moved laterally so that when flywheel rotates, lever arm 251 cannot engage either of pins 247, 249.

Flywheel 234 and latching assembly 233 are used in the following manner. When the coffee-table shaped outer shell (not shown) is unfolded or removed, elliptical machine 220 is in the folded position shown in FIG. 19. FIGS. 24 and 25 show an enlarged view of the relative positions of latching assembly 233 and flywheel 234 when elliptical machine 220 is in this folded position. Latching assembly 233 is in a latched or engaged position with free end 251 a extending outwardly from housing through latch region 263 of slot 293. Second end 251 b of lever arm 251 is engaged with pin 247 because the pin is retained within slot 261 therein. Flywheel 234 is designed to be rotated in the direction of arrow “M” (FIGS. 24, 25). However, because lever arm 251 is latched to pin 247, flywheel 234 cannot rotate. Because flywheel 251 cannot rotate, shaft 276 and therefore arms 270 cannot move and all of these components of elliptical machine 220 are locked in this folded position.

When a person wishes to use the machine 220, the handlebars 228 and mast 226 must be rotated into the upright position for use, as has been previously described. At this point, flywheel 234 is still locked and cannot be rotated. In order to release flywheel 234 for rotation, the exerciser pushes free end 251 a of lever arm 251 downwardly in slot 293 and in the direction of arrow “D” and then laterally in the direction of arrow “E”. This movement causes free end 251 a to slide past septum 267 and into the vicinity of release region 265 and also cause spring 257 to be expanded. When free end 251 a is adjacent release region 265, the exerciser releases free end 251 a and spring 257 rebounds causing free end 251 a to slide upwardly into release region 265. Septum 267 prevents free end 251 a from sliding back in the opposite direction to arrow “E” and back into latch region 263. As shown in FIG. 31, when free end 251 a is retained within release region 265, second end 251 b of lever arm 251 is laterally displaced to a position where it disengages pin 247. Furthermore, in this laterally displaced position, second free end 251 b cannot engage either of pins 247, 249 when flywheel 234 rotates. Flywheel 234 is therefore free to be rotated in the direction of arrow “M” by the exerciser “peddling” arms 270 toward support 238.

When the person has exercised to a sufficient degree and wishes to store elliptical machine 220 once again, they apply finger pressure to first end 251 a of lever arm 251 to push the same downwardly in the direction of arrow “D” and then laterally in the opposite direction to arrow “E”. These motions move free end 251 a laterally beneath septum 267 and into the vicinity of latch region 263. The motions also cause spring 257 to be expanded. The exerciser releases free end 251 a and spring 257 contracts drawing free end 251 a upwardly into latch region 263. As free end 251 a slides vertically upwardly, lever arm 251 pivots about bolt 253 and second end 251 b is moved vertically downwardly. Spring 257 biases second end 251 b to shift laterally toward drive member 239. Consequently, when flywheel 234 is rotated in the direction of arrow “M”, such as by peddling elliptical machine 220 in the forward direction, one of pins 247, 249 will become captured in slot 261 (FIG. 25) of lever arm 251. This substantially prevents any further rotation of flywheel 234. It should be noted that when either of pins 247, 249 are received in slot 261 of lever arm 251, arms 270 of elliptical machine 220 are oriented so that elbows 272 are disposed inwardly of support 238. With elbows 272 in this position, outer shell can be placed over the folded machine. If flywheel 234 is in any position other than having one of pins 247, 249 engaged with lever arm 251, elbows 272 are not disposed inwardly of support 238 and the outer shell cannot be moved or folded to cover elliptical machine 220. Latching assembly 233 therefore provides a mechanism for preventing rotation of flywheel 234 and additionally for correctly positioning arms 270 so that the outer shell can be placed over the folded elliptical machine 220.

FIG. 32 shows an elliptical machine 320 in accordance with the present invention that incorporates a second embodiment of a foldable handlebar 328. Only one handlebar 328 is illustrated but it will be understood that elliptical machine 320 has two such handlebars 328 mounted thereon. FIGS. 32 and 33 show handlebar 328 in an extended position. FIGS. 34 and 35 show handlebar 328 in a collapsed position. Each handlebar 328 comprises a first bar 360 and a second bar 362. First bar 360 is fixedly secured to an upper end of one of the swing arms 330 by being welded thereto for example. Second bar 362 is connected to first bar 360 by a hinge 369. Hinge 369 comprises a first hinge plate 371 that is fixedly secured to first bar 360, and a second hinge plate 373 that are fixedly secured to second bar 362. First and second hinge plates 371, 373 are fixedly secured together by a hinge pin 375. Second hinge plate 373, and therefore second bar 362, is pivotable about hinge pin 375. Second hinge plate 373 and second bar 362 may be pivoted between a closed position (FIG. 33) and an open position (FIG. 35). When in the closed position, handlebars 328 are substantially more rigid and less flexible than handlebars 28.

First hinge plate 371 includes a plurality of spaced apart bosses 377 that extend outwardly away from an end of the plate that is remote from hinge pine 375. Each boss 377 defines an aperture therein (not numbered) and these apertures are sized and aligned with each other so that they may receive the shaft 379 a of a cotter pin 379 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 35, a latching member 381 extends outwardly away from an end of second hinge plate 373 that is disposed opposite hinge pin 375. Latching member 381 is positioned so as to be receivable between two of bosses 377 on first hinge plate 371. In the attached figures, latching member 381 is positioned and sized to be received in a gap 385 (FIG. 35) between boss 377 a and boss 377 b. Latching member 381 defines a hole 383 therein that is sized and positioned to be alignable with the apertures in bosses 377 and to receive shaft 379 a of cotter pin 379 therethrough.

When elliptical machine 320 is set up for a person to exercise thereon, handlebars 328 are in the position shown in FIG. 32. In this position, an interior surface 371 a of first hinge plate 371 is in abutting contact with an interior surface 373 a of second hinge plate 373. Cotter pin 379 is passed through the apertures in bosses 377 and through the hole 383 of latching member 381. Hinge 369 is therefore in a closed position and cotter pin 379 locks hinge 369 in this closed position. Handlebars 328 therefore extend vertically upwardly for the exerciser to use. The cotter pin 379 securely holds hinge 369 in this locked position to a degree sufficient to allow the exerciser to push and pull on handlebars 328 during their exercise routine. Second bar 362 is locked rigidly to first bar 362 and handlebars 328 therefore function as a single rigid member.

When the person wishes to store elliptical machine 320, cotter pin 379 is pulled outwardly in the direction of arrow “T” (FIG. 33). This movement slides shaft 37 a of cotter pin 379 out of the aligned apertures in bosses 377 and hole 383 of latching member 381. When shaft 379 a is removed from hole 383, latching member 383 is released from bosses 377 a, 377 b. Second bar 362 and therefore second hinge plate 373 may then be pivoted in the direction of arrow “U” (FIG. 33) so that hinge 369 opens to the position shown in FIG. 35. Shaft 379 a of cotter pin 379 is then reinserted through the apertures in bosses 377. When hinge 369 is in this open position, interior surface 373 a of second hinge plate 373 is disposed substantially aligned with interior surface 371 a of first hinge plate 371, i.e., first and second hinge plates 371, 373 are substantially coplanar. Additionally, second bar 362 of handlebar 328 no longer extends vertically upwardly but, instead, extends substantially vertically downward toward base 380. The mast 326 is then pivoted into the folded position and flywheel 324 is rotated into an appropriate position for engaging latching assembly 333. Arms 370 are then in the correct position for outer shell (not shown) to be positioned over the folded elliptical machine 320. As shown in FIG. 34, when elliptical machine 320 is in the folded position, the second sections 362 of handlebars 328 are disposed substantially parallel to the second mast section 326.

When, at a later time, the person wishes to use elliptical machine 320, the outer shell is removed, latching assembly 333 is disengaged so that arms 370 are free to move, mast 326 is rotated and locked into the operating position. Cotter pin 379 is withdrawn from the apertures in bosses 377 a and 377 b and second bar 362 to rotated upwardly in a direction opposite to arrow “U” (FIG. 33). This causes second hinge plate 373 to pivot about hinge pin 375 until interior surface 373 a of second hinge plate 373 abuts interior surface 371 a of first hinge plate 371. Latching member 381 slides back between bosses 377 a and 377 b and shaft 379 a of cotter pin 379 is reinserted through the hole 383 in latching member 381. This locks second bar 362 in a vertically extended position and elliptical machine 320 is then in condition for exercise.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

1. An elliptical exercise machine comprising: a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position, said frame comprising: a base; a mast extending upwardly from the base; a rotatable flywheel mounted on the base a spaced distance from the mast; a first and a second swing arm assembly; wherein a first end of each of the first and second swing arm assemblies is pivotally mounted to the mast and a second end of each of the first and second assemblies is operatively connected to the flywheel; and a pair of handlebars, each handlebar comprising: a first section fixedly mounted to one of the first and second swing arm assemblies; a second section; a hinge pivotably securing the first and second sections together; wherein said second section is pivotable between a first orientation when the frame is in the operational position and a second orientation when the frame is in the folded position.
 2. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 1, wherein each hinge comprises: a first hinge plate fixedly secured to the first section of the handlebar; a second hinge plate fixedly secured to the second section of the handlebar; and a hinge pin engaging both of the first and second hinge plates, whereby said second hinge plate is pivotable about the hinge pin; and when the hinge is in the first orientation an interior surface of the first hinge plate is in abutting contact with an interior surface of the second hinge plate; and when the hinge is in the second orientation the interior surface of the first hinge plate is coplanar with the interior surface of the second hinge plate.
 3. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the hinge further includes a latching mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second hinge plates together when the hinge is in the first orientation.
 4. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the latching mechanism comprises: a pair of spaced bosses extending outwardly from an end of the first hinge plate remote from the hinge pin; an aperture defined in each of the bosses, said apertures being aligned with each other; a latching member extending outwardly from an end of the second hinge plate remote from the hinge pin; a hole defined in the latching member; said hole being alignable with the aligned apertures in the bosses when the hinge is in the first orientation; and a pin member releasably received through the aligned hole and apertures when the hinge is in the first orientation.
 5. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the second section of each handlebar extends vertically upwardly when the hinge is in the first orientation.
 6. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 3, wherein the second section of each handlebar extends substantially downwardly when the hinge is in the second orientation.
 7. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the mast comprises a first mast section that is fixedly secured to the base and a second mast section that is pivotally secured to the first mast section; and wherein the first and second swing arm assemblies are secured to the second mast section; and wherein the second sections of the handlebars are disposed substantially parallel to the second mast section when the hinge is in the second orientation and the frame is in the folded position.
 8. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 7, further comprising an outer shell that is selectively received over the elliptical machine when the frame is in the folded position.
 9. An elliptical exercise machine comprising: a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position, said frame comprising: a base; a mast extending upwardly from the base; a rotatable flywheel mounted on the base a spaced distance from the mast; a first and a second swing arm assembly; wherein a first end of each of the first and second swing arm assemblies is pivotally mounted to the mast and a second end of each of the first and second assemblies is operatively connected to the flywheel; and a latching assembly operationally engageable with the flywheel; said latching assembly being movable between a latched position where rotation of the flywheel is substantially prevented, and a release position where the flywheel is rotatable.
 10. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the frame further includes a post extending vertically upward from the base a spaced distance from the mast; said post having a first face and a second face; and wherein said flywheel comprises: a first drive member; a pivot pin extending between an interior surface of said first drive member and the first face of the post; and said first drive member is rotatable about an axis extending through said pivot pin; a first shaft extending outwardly from an exterior surface of said first drive member; said first shaft being operationally connected to the first swing arm assembly; and wherein said latching assembly operationally engages the first drive member.
 11. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 10, further comprising at least one latching pin extending outwardly away from the interior surface of the first drive member and toward the first face of the post.
 12. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 11, wherein the latching assembly engages the latching pin when in the latched position and does not engage the latching pin when in the released position.
 13. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 12, wherein the latching assembly comprises: a substantially S-shaped lever arm having a mid-section and a first and a second free end extending outwardly from the mid-section and in opposite directions to each other; a pivot member securing said mid-section of the lever arm to the first face of the post a spaced distance from the pivot pin; whereby said first free end extends rearwardly toward a rear end of the elliptical machine and the second free end extends forwardly toward a front end of the elliptical machine; and a spring extending between the first free end of the lever arm and a portion of the post.
 14. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 13, wherein the second free end of the lever arm defines a slot therein, said slot being oriented to receive said latching pin therein when the latching assembly is in a latched position
 15. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 14, wherein the spring biases the second free end of the lever arm laterally toward the first drive member when the latching assembly is in the latched position, and does not bias the second free end of the lever arm laterally toward the first drive member when the latching assembly is in the release position.
 16. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 12, wherein the elliptical machine further includes a housing that houses the flywheel therein, and said housing has a rear face that defines a substantially L-shaped slot therein; and said first free end of the lever arm extends outwardly from the housing through said L-shaped slot.
 17. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 16, wherein said L-shaped slot includes: a latch region; a release region; and a septum dividing a portion of the latch region from the release region; and wherein a length of the first free end of the lever arm extends through the L-shaped slot and is selectively movable between the latch region and the release region thereof.
 18. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 17, wherein the latch region is horizontally adjacent the release region; and the first free end of the lever arm is in the latch region when the latching assembly is in the latched position, and the first free end of the lever arm is in the release region when the latching assembly is in the latched position
 19. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 18, wherein the elliptical machine further comprises an outer shell that resembles a piece of furniture, said outer shell being selectively positioned over the elliptical machine when in the folded position, and wherein the outer shell is only positionable over the folded elliptical machine when the latching assembly is in the latched position.
 20. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 18, wherein the latching assembly must be in the release position in order for the elliptical machine to be operational for exercising.
 21. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 10, wherein said flywheel further comprises: a second drive member pivotally mounted by the pivot pin to the second face of the post, said second drive member being rotatable about the axis extending through the pivot pin; a second shaft extending outwardly from an exterior surface of said second drive member; said second shaft being operationally connected to the second swing arm assembly; and wherein the first shaft and second shaft are substantially parallel to the pivot pin and extend outwardly from the post in opposite directions to each other; and wherein the first shaft is radially disposed substantially one hundred and eighty degrees away from the second shaft.
 22. In combination; an elliptical exercise machine that is movable between an operational position where the machine is useable for exercise purposes and a folded position where the machine is reduced in overall outer dimensions and is not useable for exercise purposes; a cover selectively positionable to hide the exercise machine when in the folded position and removable therefrom prior to the machine being placed into an operational position; wherein said cover comprises: a base upon which the elliptical exercise machine is received; a first cover portion hingedly connected to the base and being movable between a first position where it covers a part of the elliptical machine and a second position where it does not cover a part of the elliptical machine; and a second cover portion hingedly connected to the base and being movable between a first position where it covers a second part of the elliptical machine and a second position where does not cover the second part of the elliptical machine.
 23. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 22, wherein each of the first and second cover portions comprises: a substantially U-shaped perimeter wall having a U-shaped first edge and an opposed U-shaped second edge; a planar wall mounted across said first edge and extending perpendicularly to said perimeter wall, whereby said planar wall and perimeter wall define a U-shaped cavity region therebetween; and when the first and second covers are moved into the first position the part of the folded elliptical machine is received with the cavity.
 24. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 23, further comprising: a first hinge operationally securing a portion of the second edge of the first cover section to the base; and wherein the first cover section pivots about the first hinge between the first and second positions; and a second hinge operationally securing a portion of the second edge of the second cover section to the base, and wherein the second cover section pivots about the second hinge between the first and second positions.
 25. The elliptical machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the first cover portion comprises substantially half of the cover and the second cover portion comprises substantially half of the cover; and wherein an end of the first cover portion abuts an end of the second cover portion when both of the first and second cover portions are in the first position over the folded elliptical machine. 